Portable analytical device

ABSTRACT

A portable analytical device includes a housing, a measuring facility and a processor in the housing, and an electrical connector coupled to the housing and having one end electrically connected to the processor and an opposite end extending outwardly from the housing. The measuring facility is configured to analyze an optical or electrochemical change in the test element having received a liquid sample of the body fluid and to generate measuring values resulting from the analysis. A memory has stored therein software at least a portion of which is executable by the processor to process the measuring values to produce analytical measuring data taking into account calibration values. The electrical connector may be a male universal serial bus (USB) electrical connector, a Type-A USB electrical connector or a mini-USB electrical connector having electrical connections for electrical power, ground, data and ID.

The invention relates to a portable, patient-operable electronicanalytical device for analysis of a medically significant component of abody fluid for self-monitoring by a patient, in particular a bloodglucose measuring device. Analytical devices of this type comprise adevice housing, a measuring facility arranged inside the device housingfor carrying out the analysis on a test element that is inserted througha housing opening into the analytical device and the measuring facility,and a processor with software for processing of the measuring valuesdetermined by the measuring facility and for processing the measuringvalues to yield analytical measuring data taking into accountcalibration values.

For qualitative and quantitative analysis of components of a liquidsample, in particular of a body fluid from humans or animals, testmethods working with test elements are used extensively. The testelements generally contain reagents. In order to perform a reaction, thetest element is contacted with the liquid sample. The reaction betweenthe liquid sample and the reagent leads to a change in the test elementthat is characteristic of the analysis, and this change is analyzedusing a suitable analytical device. Typically, the analytical device issuitable for analysis of a specific type of test element from a specificmanufacturer. The test elements and the analytical device are mutuallyadapted components and, in combination, are called an analytical system.

Numerous different types of test elements are known which differ fromeach other by their measuring principle and the reagents that are usedas well as by their structure.

With regard to the measuring principle, colorimetric analytical systemsare particularly common. In these systems, the sample reacting with thereagents contained in the test element leads to a color change that canbe measured visually or by means of a photometric measuring facility.Moreover, electrochemical analytical systems have gained greatsignificance, in which the sample reacting with the reagents of the testelement leads to an electrically detectable change (of an electricalvoltage or an electrical current) that is measured with appropriatemeasuring electronics. Analytical systems of this type are also calledamperometric systems.

In many cases, there is a need for regular monitoring of certainanalytic blood values. This applies in particular to diabetics whoshould self-monitor their blood glucose levels frequently in order tomaintain these levels within certain nominal limits (ideally, at alltimes) by suitably adapting their insulin intake via injections or othermeans to the strongly varying needs. Accordingly, the testing of bloodcoagulation parameters by patient blood coagulation self-monitoring isalso quite common, as is self-monitoring of blood cholesterol levels.

A blood glucose measuring device is a measuring device that can be usedfor qualitative or quantitative determination of the blood glucosecontent. For this purpose, it is customary to generate a puncture woundin a body, draw a drop of blood, apply the drop of blood to a testelement, and use the test element and the blood glucose measuring deviceto determine the blood glucose content or concentration of the drop.However, it is also conceivable to measure the blood glucose by means ofa continuous measurement, for example with sensors introduced into thebody or by a measurement through the skin.

Blood analysis systems should be easy to operate, compact and slim indesign, and easy and cheap to manufacture. These practical requirementshave led and are leading to the development of blood analysis devicesthat satisfy these, to some extent contradictory, requirements to theextent possible.

Especially in the area of so-called “home monitoring”, i.e. wheremedical laymen perform simple blood analyses, and, in particular, in theperiodical drawing of blood several times daily by diabetics formonitoring of their blood glucose concentration, it is important to havea blood glucose measuring device that is easy and reliable to operateand to have an informative and reliable determination and display of themeasuring results.

Conventional analytical devices are so-called stand-alone measuringdevices. These devices operate autonomously, self-supporting, andindependently. Accordingly, they comprise a display, a measuringfacility, a power supply, and a complete user interface that can, forexample, comprise a keyboard, a display, a triggering facility or a userguidance. The application purpose and properties of devices of this typeare fixed with the exception of occasional adaptation of their firmware.

Approaches to modular concepts aiming to design the application range ofthese devices more versatile and to make them smaller and cheaper areavailable.

From document, WO 89/00024, a modular physiological measuring system isknown, in which various specific measuring modules, for example anoxygen-measuring module or a blood pressure-measuring module, can beconnected to a central unit. Recently, a comparable system for thedetermination of blood glucose has been developed, in which a bloodglucose-measuring module is connected to a PDA. However, these knownsystems have been found to be disadvantageous in that the technology ofthe central unit or PDA is subject to continual technical change by themanufacturers such that, due to non-standardized interfaces between thedevice and the connected measuring module being used and because of theongoing changes of the hardware platforms, i.e. the further developmentof processors and protocols, each and every change made in the devicerequires that a new application for approval/registration of themeasuring module for the medical application at hand had to be filed andbe accompanied by proof of the operability of the device in combinationwith the central unit or PDA.

It is therefore the object of the invention to create an analyticaldevice that is very compact and can be used by an operator inparticularly simple fashion.

The object is met according to the invention by an analytical device andan analytical system with the features of the appended independentpatent claims. Preferred embodiments and developments of the inventionare evident from the dependent patent claims and the followingdescription and related drawing.

Accordingly, a portable, patient-operable analytical device according tothe invention for analysis of a medically significant component of abody fluid for self-monitoring by a patient, in particular a bloodglucose measuring device, with a device housing, a measuring facilityarranged inside the housing for carrying out the analysis on a testelement that is inserted through a housing opening into the analyticaldevice and the measuring facility, and with a processor with softwarefor processing of the measuring values determined by the measuringfacility and for processing the measuring values to yield analyticalmeasuring data taking into account calibration values, comprises astandardized, wire-based computer interface by means of which theanalytical device can be operated by a computer, the analyticalmeasuring data can be transmitted from the analytical device to thecomputer, and the analytical device can also be supplied with electricalpower by the computer.

Since a computer usually has the capability, i.e. the requisite soft- orfirmware, to display the data read-out from an analytical device, eitherthrough the use of standard software or a specific software adapted tothe analytical device and its analytical measuring data, the analyticalmeasuring device does not need to have an intrinsic user interface inpreferred embodiments for displaying instructions and/or information forthe user for carrying out an analysis such that the display of suchinstructions and/or information is implemented exclusively by means of amonitor that is connected to the computer to which the analytical deviceis connected by means of the interface.

In principle, the computer interface could be implemented in anyfashion, i.e. just as well as a wireless interface (e.g. by radio orinfrared transmission). However, wireless transmission requires that theanalytical device possesses an intrinsic internal or external powersupply or is connected to the computer by means of a cable. For thisreason, the wire-based computer interface is preferred.

In the case of wire-based data transmission via computer interface, theuser of the analytical device must connect the analytical device to thecomputer. In principle, this is feasible by means of a fitting suitableconnection cable. However, in this case the user needs to have at hand afitting connection cable and to establish the connection in order tofacilitate communication of the analytical device and the computer.Especially in the case of manually impaired, ill or visually impairedindividuals, this may be difficult. Moreover, the plug connectioncontacts of the cable may get contaminated or damaged. For this reason,according to a preferred feature, the interface of the analytical deviceis provided in the form of a male plug contact attached to the housingof the analytical device which male plug contact can be directlyconnected to a socket of the computer.

According to an additional advantageous embodiment, it is proposed toprovide the computer to which the analytical device is connected bymeans of the interface such as to support visually impaired users of theanalytical device. For this purpose, the computer can comprise, forexample, a data output with very large characters on a monitor, a dataoutput or data input facility with Braille characters or a speech outputfacility.

However, the option of displaying the measuring values on a largemonitor of a computer instead of the conventional display element thatis directly attached to an analytical device and significantly morelimited in terms of the space available for display and the displayquality, provides the advantage of a very large display not only forvisually impaired users. This is because a user can self-configure thelarge display very easily and adapt it to his wishes not only withregard to the size of the characters, but also with regard to thequantity and arrangement of the information to be displayed.

The present invention may comprise one or more of the features recitedin the attached claims, and/or one or more of the following features andcombinations thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, an electronicdevice for analysis of a body fluid may comprise a housing defining afirst opening therein, a measuring facility arranged inside the housingand configured to receive a test element therein via the first opening,at least one electrical circuit arranged inside the housing and amulti-wire connector carried by the housing and electrically connectedto the at least one electrical circuit. The measuring facility may beconfigured to produce measuring values relating to a sample of the bodyfluid received on the test element. The at least one electrical circuitmay be configured to process the measuring values to yield analyticaldata corresponding to a component of the sample of the body fluid. Themulti-wire connector may have at least one wire defining a voltagesupply input to the electronic device. The multi-wire connector may beconfigured to be connected to a mating connector of an externalelectronic device with the at least one wire configured to receive asupply voltage from the external electronic device.

The measuring facility may comprise at least one electrode configured toproduce the measuring values based on an electro-chemical reaction ofthe body fluid with the test element. Alternatively, the measuringfacility may comprise an optical detector configured to produce themeasuring values based on at least one optical property resulting from areaction of the body fluid with the test element. In either case, themeasuring facility may be configured to receive therein the test elementprovided in the form of a test strip having the sample of the body fluiddeposited thereon.

Alternatively, the housing may define a second opening extending intothe measuring facility and being aligned with the test element when thetest element is received in the first opening. In this embodiment, thesample of the body fluid may be received on the test element via thesecond opening in the housing. The multi-wire connector may be one of auniversal serial bus connector and a firewire interface. The electronicdevice may not include a display, and/or it may not include a userinterface for providing user input of instructions or information to theelectronic device. The component of the sample of the body fluid may beone of blood glucose, cholesterol and a blood coagulation parameter.

In another illustrative embodiment, an electronic device for analysis ofa body fluid may comprise a housing defining a first opening therein, ameasuring facility arranged inside the housing and configured to receivea test element therein via the first opening, at least one electricalcircuit arranged inside the housing and a multi-wire connector carriedby the housing and electrically connected to the at least one electricalcircuit. The measuring facility may be configured to produce measuringvalues relating to a sample of the body fluid received on the testelement. The at least one electrical circuit may be configured toprocess the measuring values to yield analytical data corresponding to acomponent of the sample of the body fluid. The multi-wire connector mayhave at least one wire defining a control input to the electronic deviceand be configured to be connected to a mating connector of an externalelectronic device with the at least one wire configured to receivecontrol signals from the external electronic device for operating theelectronic device.

The measuring facility may comprise at least one electrode configured toproduce the measuring values based on an electro-chemical reaction ofthe body fluid with the test element. Alternatively, the measuringfacility may comprise an optical detector configured to produce themeasuring values based on at least one optical property resulting from areaction of the body fluid with the test element. In either case, themeasuring facility may be configured to receive therein the test elementprovided in the form of a test strip having the sample of the body fluiddeposited thereon.

Alternatively, the housing may define a second opening extending intothe measuring facility and aligned with the test element when the testelement is received in the first opening. In this embodiment, the sampleof the body fluid may be received on the test element via the secondopening in the housing. The multi-wire connector may be one of auniversal serial bus connector and a firewire interface. The multi-wireconnector may be mounted to, and extend from, the housing. Theelectronic device may not include a display, and/or it may not include auser interface for providing user input of instructions or informationto the electronic device. The component of the sample of the body fluidmay be one of blood glucose, cholesterol and a blood coagulationparameter.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, an electronic device foranalysis of a body fluid may comprise a housing defining a first openingtherein, a measuring facility arranged inside the housing and configuredto receive a test element therein via the first opening, at least oneelectrical circuit arranged inside the housing and a universal serialbus (USB) interface carried by the housing and electrically connected tothe at least one electrical circuit. The measuring facility, the atleast one electrical circuit and the USB interface may together form aUSB device. The measuring facility may be configured to producemeasuring values relating to a sample of the body fluid received on thetest element. The at least one electrical circuit may be configured toprocess the measuring values to yield analytical data corresponding to acomponent of the sample of the body fluid.

The USB interface may be configured to be electrically connected to amating USB interface of either of a USB host and a USB hub. The USBinterface may be a first USB connector configured to be electricallyconnected to a second USB connector of one of a USB host and a USB hub.The USB host may be one of a personal computer, a laptop computer and anotebook computer. Alternatively, the USB interface may be a wirelessUSB interface. In any case, the electronic device may not include adisplay, and/or it may not include a user interface for providing userinput of instructions or information to the electronic device. Thecomponent of the sample of the body fluid may be one of blood glucose,cholesterol and a blood coagulation parameter. The measuring facilitymay comprise at least one electrode configured to produce the measuringvalues based on an electro-chemical reaction of the body fluid with thetest element. Alternatively, the measuring facility may comprise anoptical detector configured to produce the measuring values based on atleast one optical property resulting from a reaction of the body fluidwith the test element. The USB interface may be configured to beelectrically connected to a mating USB interface of either of a USB hostand a USB hub.

In a further illustrative embodiment, an electronic device for analysisof a body fluid may comprise a housing defining a first opening therein,a measuring facility arranged inside the housing and configured toreceive a test element therein via the first opening, at least oneelectrical circuit arranged inside the housing, a memory unit arrangedinside the housing and having stored therein instructions for operatingthe electronic device and an electrical interface electrically connectedto the at least one electrical circuit. The measuring facility may beconfigured to produce measuring values relating to a sample of the bodyfluid received on the test element. The at least one electrical circuitmay be configured to process the measuring values to yield analyticaldata corresponding to a component of the sample of the body fluid. Theelectrical interface may be configured for communication with anelectrical interface of an external electronic device configured toexecute the instructions stored in the memory unit to thereby controlthe electronic device.

The electronic device may not include a display, and/or it may notinclude a user interface for providing user input of instructions orinformation to the electronic device. The component of the sample of thebody fluid may be one of blood glucose, cholesterol and a bloodcoagulation parameter. The measuring facility may comprise at least oneelectrode configured to produce the measuring values based on anelectro-chemical reaction of the body fluid with the test element.Alternatively, the measuring facility may comprise an optical detectorconfigured to produce the measuring values based on at least one opticalproperty resulting from a reaction of the body fluid with the testelement.

In still another illustrative embodiment, an electronic device foranalysis of a body fluid may comprise a housing defining an openingtherein, a measuring facility arranged inside the housing and configuredto receive a test element therein via the opening, at least oneelectrical circuit arranged inside the housing and an interfaceconfigured to transfer information between the electronic device and anexternal electronic device. The measuring facility may be configured toproduce measuring values relating to a sample of the body fluid receivedon the test element. The at least one electrical circuit may beconfigured to process the measuring values to yield analytical datacorresponding to a component of the sample of the body fluid. Theelectronic device does not include a display.

The electronic device may not include a user interface for providinguser input of instructions or information to the electronic device. Thecomponent of the sample of the body fluid may be one of blood glucose,cholesterol and a blood coagulation parameter. The measuring facilitymay comprise at least one electrode configured to produce the measuringvalues based on an electro-chemical reaction of the body fluid with thetest element. Alternatively, the measuring facility may comprise anoptical detector configured to produce the measuring values based on atleast one optical property resulting from a reaction of the body fluidwith the test element.

In still a further illustrative embodiment, an electronic device foranalysis of a body fluid may comprise a housing defining an openingtherein, a measuring facility arranged inside the housing and configuredto receive a test element therein via the opening, at least oneelectrical circuit arranged inside the housing and an electricalinterface configured to transfer information between the electronicdevice and an external electronic device. The measuring facility may beconfigured to produce measuring values relating to a sample of the bodyfluid received on the test element. The at least one electrical circuitmay be configured to process the measuring values to yield analyticaldata corresponding to a component of the sample of the body fluid. Theelectronic device does not include a user interface for providing userinput of instructions or information to the electronic device.

The electronic device may not include a display. The component of thesample of the body fluid may be one of blood glucose, cholesterol and ablood coagulation parameter. The measuring facility may comprise atleast one electrode configured to produce the measuring values based onan electro-chemical reaction of the body fluid with the test element.Alternatively, the measuring facility may comprise an optical detectorconfigured to produce the measuring values based on at least one opticalproperty resulting from a reaction of the body fluid with the testelement.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, a system for analyzing a bodyfluid may comprise a body fluid analysis device, an electronic deviceand an electrical interface configured to transfer information betweenthe body fluid analysis device and the electronic device. The body fluidanalysis device may comprising a measuring facility configured toreceive a test element therein and configured to produce measuringvalues relating to a sample of the body fluid received on the testelement, and at least one electrical circuit configured to process themeasuring values to yield analytical data corresponding to a componentof the sample of the body fluid. The electronic device may comprise aprocessor electrically connected to a display unit. The processor may beconfigured to receive the analytical data from the body fluid analysisdevice and to control the display unit to display the analytical data.

The electronic device may include a memory having stored thereininstructions for operating the body fluid analysis device. The processorof the electronic device may be configured to execute the instructionsstored in the memory to control operation of the body fluid analysisdevice. Alternatively, the body fluid analysis device may include amemory having stored therein instructions for operating the body fluidanalysis device. In this embodiment, the processor of the electronicdevice may be configured to receive the instructions from the memory ofthe body fluid analysis device and to execute the instructions tocontrol operation of the body fluid analysis device.

The electrical interface may comprise a first multi-wire connectorassociated with the body fluid analysis device, and a second multi-wireconnector associated with the electronic device. The processor of theelectronic device may be configured to automatically control operationof the body fluid analysis device, receive the analytical data from thebody fluid analysis device and control the display unit to display theanalytical data, upon detection of an electrical connection between thefirst and second multi-wire connectors. The electrical interface maycomprise a universal serial bus interface. In this embodiment, the bodyfluid analysis device is a USB device and the electronic device is a USBhost. The body fluid analysis device may not include a display, and/orit may not include a user interface for providing user input ofinstructions or information to the electronic device. The component ofthe sample of the body fluid may be one of blood glucose, cholesteroland a blood coagulation parameter. The electronic device may be one of apersonal computer, a laptop computer and a notebook computer. The bodyfluid analysis device further may comprise a USB connector electricallyconnected to the at least one electrical circuit, wherein the body fluidanalysis device is a USB device and the electronic device is a USB host.

The invention is illustrated in the following based on an exemplaryembodiment that is shown in the figures. The particularities describedtherein can be used separately or in combination in order to createpreferred developments of the invention. In the figures:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one illustrative embodiment of a system foranalyzing a body fluid.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of an analytical device 1 forthe analysis of body fluids according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one illustrative embodiment of theanalytical device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a diagram of one illustrative embodiment of asystem 10 for analyzing a body fluid is shown. In the illustratedembodiment, the system 10 includes an analytical device 1 in the form ofa body fluid analysis device that is configured to be electricallyconnected to an electronic device 28 via an electrical interfaceindicated generally at 25. The analytical device 1 includes a measuringfacility that is configured to receive therein a test element 7, e.g.,as illustrated by the directional arrow “A”, on which a sample of thebody fluid is received. As will be described in greater detailhereinafter with reference to FIG. 3, the measuring facility isgenerally configured to produce measuring values relating to the sampleof body fluid received on the test element 7. The analytical device 1further includes at least one electrical circuit that is configured toprocess the measuring values to yield analytical data corresponding to acomponent of the sample of the body fluid. The analytical device 1 maygenerally be any electronic device configured to analyze a sample of abody fluid to determine at least one component thereof. Exampleimplementations of the analytical device 1 include, but should not belimited to, a blood glucose measuring device, a body fluid cholesterolmeasuring device and a blood coagulation parameter measuring device.

The electronic device 28 includes a conventional processor 30 that iselectrically connected to a conventional display device or unit 32, aconventional memory device or unit 34, and a conventional keyboard orkeypad 36. The electronic device 28 may further include a conventionalpoint and select device 38, one or more conventional speakers 40 and/ora conventional microphone 42, each electrically connected to theprocessor 30 as shown by dashed-line representation in FIG. 1. Theelectronic device 28 may generally be any processor-based electronicdevice, portable or otherwise, that carries its own source of electricalpower, e.g., a dedicated voltage source (not shown), and/or thatincludes a hardwire interface (not shown) configured to be electricallyconnected to a suitable source of electrical power. Exampleimplementations of the electronic device 28 include, but are not limitedto, a conventional personal computer (PC), a conventional laptop ornotebook computer, a conventional hand-held electronic device such as apersonal data assistant (PDA), or the like.

With any implementation of the analytical device 1 for analyzing bodyfluids and electronic device 28, an electrical interface 25 is providedto electrically connect the devices 1 and 28. Generally, the electricalinterface 25 is a multi-wire, hardwire interface, and in this regard theanalytical device 1 includes an electrical connector 24 configured to beelectrically connected to another electrical connector 26 of theelectronic device 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the electricalconnectors 24 and 26 are provided in the form of conventional universalserial bus (USB) connectors, although the electrical interface 25 andelectrical connectors 24, 26 may alternatively be configured as aconventional wire-based serial interface, parallel interface, firewireinterface or other conventional wire-based electrical interface.

In the specific exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, theelectrical connector 24 of the analytical device 1 is a male, Type-A USBconnector and the electrical connector 26 of the electronic device 28 isa corresponding Type-A USB port. In any case, with the electricalinterface 25 implemented in the form of a USB interface, the electronicdevice 28 acts as a “USB host”, and the analytical device 1 as a “USBdevice”, meaning that the electronic device 28 controls operation of theanalytical device 1 in accordance with a conventional USB communicationsprotocol carried out over the USB interface 25. The electronic device 28automatically detects the analytical device 1 when electrical connectionis made between the electrical connectors 24 and 26, and if the device 1has not been connected to the device 28 before, the operating system ofthe device 28 loads an appropriate driver that is either alreadyresident on the device 28 or is obtained from an external source such asfrom the device 1 itself. In any case, when the appropriate devicedriver is loaded onto the electronic device 28, the device 28 thenactivates the device 1, establishes communication with the device 1according to a conventional USB communications protocol, and thereaftercontrols operation of the device 1 via conventional a USB communicationsprotocol. Illustratively, USB communications may be carried according toa conventional USB version 2.0 standard, although other conventional USBprotocols may be used. Generally, USB devices are “hot-swappable”,meaning that they can be connected and disconnected at any time withouthaving to restart or reboot either device 1 or 28.

In the illustrated embodiment, electrical connection is made between theanalytical device 1 and the electronic device 28 by simply insertingmale, Type-A USB connector 24 into the Type-A USB port 26 as illustratedby the directional arrow “B”. Alternatively, a conventional USB hub 27may be interposed between the connectors 24 and 26 to allow theelectronic device 28 to act as a USB host to multiple USB devices via athe single USB port 26. In this case, the hub 27 includes an electricalconnector configured to be electrically connected to the USB port 26 ofthe electronic device 28, typically via a hardwire cable, as illustratedby the directional arrow “C”, and also includes an electrical connectorconfigured to be electrically connected to the electrical connector 24of the analytical device 1, as illustrated by the direction arrow “D”,which may or may not be accomplished via a hardwire cable. Generally,when hardwire cabling is used in a USB interface, the connector/portcombination on the host-side is typically a conventional Type-A USBconnector/port combination and the connector/port combination on thedevice-side is a conventional Type-B USB connector. Thus, in cases wherea hub 27 is used, the electrical connector on the hub 27 to which theUSB port 26 of the electronic device 28 is connected will typically be aconventional Type-B USB connector or port. Likewise, if a hardwire cableis used to connect the device 1 to the hub 27, the electrical connectoron the hub 27 to which the USB connector 24 of the device 1 connectswill typically be a conventional Type-A port and the electricalconnector 24 on the analytical device 1 will typically be a conventionalType-B USB connector or port.

In the illustrated embodiment, the USB connectors 24 and 26 areimplemented as “standard” USB connectors, wherein a standard Type-A orType-B USB connector or port has four connections; one being a voltagebus, one being a ground reference and two forming a pair of differentialdata connections, D+ and D−, for conducting communications according toa conventional USB communications protocol. Thus, the connectors 24 and26 each have a voltage bus connection, a ground connection and two datatransfer connections. Alternatively, the USB connectors 24 and 26 may beprovided in the form of “mini” USB connectors, wherein a mini-USBconnector or port has five connections; the four previously describedfor a standard USB connector and an additional “ID” connection. Ineither case, the voltage bus of the connector 26 carried by theelectronic device 28 is connected to a supply voltage, V_(s), internalto the electronic device 28. The analytical device 1, in the illustratedembodiment, does not have an internal voltage source or other source ofelectrical power, and instead the supply voltage, V_(s), provides thesole source of electrical power for analytical device 1 when electricalconnection is made between the devices 1 and 28. In another alternativeembodiment, the USB connectors 24 and 26 may be wireless USB connectors,and in this embodiment the analytical device 1 will require a dedicatedvoltage source such as one or more conventional batteries.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an illustrative embodiment of the analyticaldevice 1 of FIG. 1 is shown. The device 1 is generally an electronicdevice configured to analyze a body fluid, and may illustratively beimplemented, as described hereinabove, in the form of a portable,patient-operable blood glucose measuring device for self-monitoring ofblood glucose values by the patient. In the illustrated embodiment, thedevice 1 comprises a housing 3 provided approximately in the design of aconventional USB stick and has a standardized, wire-based USB connector24 as USB interface 4 that is provided in the form of a male, Type-A USBconnector mounted to and extending from the housing 3 of the device 1. Aconventional protective cap 5 may be provided to protect the electricalconnector 24 from damage during periods of non-use.

One or more components of the body fluid are determined by analyzing asample of a body fluid of the patient, e.g., blood, which is applied toa test field 6 of the test element 7. The test element 7 is insertedthrough a slit opening 8 in the housing 3 that leads to a measuringfacility arranged in the housing 3, as indicated by the directionalarrow A. In one exemplary embodiment, the body fluid is deposited orotherwise received on the test field 6 of the test element 7, and thetest element 7 is then inserted, via the opening 8, into the measuringfacility arranged in the housing 3. Alternatively, the housing 3 maydefine a second opening 9 therein that also leads to the measuringfacility and that generally aligns with the test field 6 when the testelement 7 is inserted, via the opening 8, into the measuring facilityarranged in the housing 3. In this embodiment, the test element 7 isfirst inserted into the measuring facility as just described, and thebody fluid is then deposited or otherwise received on the test field 6via the opening 9.

Numerous different types of test elements 7 are known which differ fromeach other by their measuring principle and/or reagents that are used,as well as by their structure. With regard to the measuring principlecarried out in the measuring facility, any conventional body fluidanalytical technique may be used. As one example, optical analyticalsystems are generally known and commonly used to analyze body fluids,e.g., blood. In these conventional systems, the sample of the body fluidreacting with the reagents contained in the test element 7 produces anoptically detectable change that can be measured visually and/or via anoptical detection system. Examples of conventional optical analyticalsystems include, but are not limited to, colorimetric analyticalsystems, wherein the body fluid sample reacting with the reagentscontained in the test element 7 leads to a color change that can bemeasured visually or by means of a conventional photometric measuringfacility, reflectance-type analytical systems wherein the body fluidsample reacting with the reagents contained in the test element 7 leadsto changes in the reflectance properties of the sample that can bemeasured by a conventional reflectance measuring facility, andfluorescence or phosphorescence-type analytical systems wherein the bodyfluid sample reacting with the reagents contained in the test element isilluminated which leads to a resulting visible emission that can bemeasured by a suitable conventional fluorescence or phosphorescencemeasuring facility.

Moreover, electrochemical analytical systems are also known, and in suchsystems the body fluid sample reacting with the reagents of the testelement 7 leads to an electrically detectable change (e.g., of anelectrical voltage or an electrical current) that is measured withappropriate conventional measuring electronics including, for example,one or more conductive electrodes. Analytical systems of this type aregenerally called amperometric systems. The measuring facility containedin the housing 3 may, for example, be a colorimetric or electrochemicalmeasuring facility, and in any case the measuring facility is configuredto produce measuring values relating to the sample of the body fluidreceived on the test element 7.

An electronic analytical device 1 of the type shown in FIG. 2 is, forexample, a blood glucose meter 2, a cholesterol measuring device or ablood coagulation parameter measuring device. The analytical device 1shown in FIG. 2 is a portable, patient-operable blood glucose measuringdevice 2 for self-monitoring of blood glucose values by the patient. Itcomprises a housing 3 provided approximately in the design of an USBstick and has a standardized, wire-based USB interface 4 that isprovided in the form of a male plug contact on the housing 3 of theanalytical device 1. The plug contact of the USB interface 4 can becovered by a protective cap 5.

A measuring facility for carrying out a blood glucose determination isarranged in the housing 3 of the blood glucose measuring device 2. Theblood glucose values are determined by means of a drop of the patient'sblood, which is then applied to a test field 6 of a test element 7. Thetest element 7 can be inserted through a slit 8 in the housing 3 intothe blood glucose measuring device 2 and the measuring facility situatedtherein by means of a motion indicated by the direction of the arrow. Ameasuring facility of this type can, for example, be a colorimetric orelectrochemical measuring facility. In other embodiments, the testelements 7 are situated in the housing 3, for example in the form ofcartridges, and are wetted by the drop of blood through an opening 9 inthe housing 3.

A blood glucose measuring device 2 carries out the blood glucosedetermination by means of a processor and transmits the analyticalmeasuring data thus determined via the USB interface 4 to a computer.

In order to connect the analytical device 1 to a computer (not shown inFIG. 2) by means of the USB interface 4, the USB plug of the analyticaldevice 1 is plugged into the corresponding USB socket of the computer.By this means, it is feasible to transmit data from the analyticaldevice 1 to the computer in order to display operating parameters oranalytical measuring data of the analytical device 1 by means of thecomputer. Moreover, it is also feasible to transmit data from thecomputer to the analytical device 1 via the USB interface 4 such thatthe analytical device 1 can be operated by means of the computer, forexample in order to configure the analytical device 1 or to triggercertain actions of the analytical device 1, in particular the carryingout of an analysis with a test element 7 that is inserted into theanalytical device 1. Preferably, the analytical device 1 can be fully ornearly fully operated by means of the computer.

A wire-based computer interface of the computer can, for example, be aserial interface, a parallel interface, a firewire interface or,preferably, a USB interface 4. The USB interface 4 is preferred since itis very common, requires little space, and facilitates rapid datatransmission.

Preferably, the blood glucose measuring device 2 does not comprise anintrinsic user interface for operating the blood glucose measuringdevice 2 such that the operation of the blood glucose measuring device 2for carrying out an analysis on a test element 7 that is inserted intothe blood glucose measuring device 2 is implemented exclusively by thecomputer to which the blood glucose measuring device 2 is connected bymeans of the USB interface 4, for example by the keyboard of thecomputer, and thus without input elements on the blood glucose measuringdevice 2.

Preferred embodiments dispense altogether with a user interface foroperating the blood glucose measuring device 2, for example dispensewith a keyboard. In this case, the computer to which the blood glucosemeasuring device 2 is connected recognizes when a test element 7 isbeing inserted into the blood glucose measuring device 2 andautomatically starts-up the measurement and the display of the measuringresult, for example on the monitor of the computer without thisrequiring an input of the user on a user interface.

Moreover, the blood glucose measuring device 2 does not comprise anintrinsic user interface for displaying analytical measuring data thatwas determined in an analysis by the blood glucose measuring device 2such that the display of the analytical measuring data determined in ananalysis is implemented exclusively by the computer to which the bloodglucose measuring device 2 is connected by means of the USB interface 4,for example by a monitor of the computer.

The computer to which the blood glucose measuring device 2 is connectedcan be used also for documenting other self-monitoring data of the userwhich the computer reads-out from the blood glucose measuring device 2or which are entered by the user. Self-monitoring data of this type canbe relevant data for the monitoring, diagnosis or therapy of the bloodglucose disease, such as type, time, and quantity of meals ingested,physical activities, insulin quantities administered or other relevantevents.

In order for the history of his data to be available to the user of theanalytical device 1, even when it is connected to other or variouscomputers, it can be advantageous for the analytical device 1 tocomprise a measuring value memory in which the computer can storemeasuring values and, if applicable, times (date and time of day of themeasurement) or calibration data. This allows the user to connect theanalytical device 1 to other computers and read-out, display or analyzehis previous measuring values.

In preferred embodiments, the analytical device 1 does not comprise anintrinsic or integrated power supply such that it is supplied with powerexclusively by the computer to which it is connected by means of the USBinterface 4.

Upon connecting the analytical device 1 to the computer by means of theUSB interface 4, the computer automatically recognizes the newlyconnected hardware and loads the necessary pre-installed drivers andapplication programs for read-out of the data from the analytical device1 and for operation of the analytical device 1 by the computer. In orderto render the analytical device 1 universally operable, i.e. withoutpre-configuration of the corresponding computer, and thus provide forits use on any computer, an additional embodiment can provide theanalytical device 1 to comprise a memory in which the software requiredfor operation of the analytical device 1 is stored, and can provide thissoftware to be read-out by the computer via the interface of theanalytical device 1 when the analytical device 1 becomes connected to acomputer.

However, in other embodiments it can also be advantageous not to requireany specific drivers and/or specific software and for the analyticaldevice 1 to be read-out with standard software, for example a browsersuch as Windows Explorer, which is customarily installed on a computer.In this case, the analytical device can be operated very universally onthe majority of computers without any need for pie-configuration of thecomputer.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of one illustrativeembodiment of the analytical device 1 of FIG. 2 is shown. In theillustrated embodiment, which is generally representative of across-sectional view along a longitudinal axis of the device 1, theopening or slit 8 in the housing 3 is shown leading to a measuringfacility 60 which may be implemented in any of the forms describedhereinabove. The measuring facility 60 is electrically connected toconventional signal processing circuitry 62 which is, in turn,electrically connected to the electrical connector 24. The voltagesupply line and the ground reference line of the connector 24 areelectrically connected to supply voltage and ground reference inputs,V_(s) and GND respectively, of the signal processing circuitry 62. Thecommunication lines, e.g., D+ and D−, of the electrical connector 24 arelikewise electrically connected to the signal processing circuitry 62.

In embodiments where the measuring facility 60 includes one or moreelectrical components requiring a supply voltage for operation, thevoltage supply line and the ground reference line of the electricalconnector 24 are also electrically connected to the measuring facilityas shown by dashed line representation in FIG. 3. As discussedhereinabove, the analytical device 1 does not include a voltage supply,and any electrical power required for operation of the device 1 issupplied by the electronic device 28 via the electrical interface 25. Inparticular, the multi-wire electrical connector 24 has at least one wirethat defines a voltage supply input to the analytical device 1, and theelectrical connector 24 configured to be connected to a mating connector26 of the external electronic device 28 with the at least one wiremaking electrical contact with the voltage supply line, V_(s), of theelectrical connector 26 so as to receive the supply voltage from theelectronic device 28.

The signal processing circuitry 62 includes at least one electricalcircuit that is arranged inside the housing 3 and configured to processthe measuring values produced by the measuring facility 60 in aconventional manner to yield analytical data corresponding to acomponent, e.g., blood glucose concentration, of the sample of the bodyfluid received on the test element 7. The analytical data is thenprovided by the signal processing circuitry 62 to the electronic device28 via the electrical interface 25 as shown and described with respectto FIG. 1. In embodiments of the system 10 wherein the electricalinterface 25 is a USB interface as described in detail hereinabove, thesignal processing circuitry 62 will typically, although not necessarily,include a conventional processor circuit, such as a microprocessor. Sucha processor is configured to process the measuring values produced bythe measuring facility 60 to yield the analytical data, to alsocommunicate with the processor 30 of the electronic device 28 via theUSB interface 25 in accordance with a conventional USB communicationsprotocol, and to act upon instructions received from the processor 30.

In other embodiments, the signal processing circuitry 62 may or may notinclude a conventional processor circuit, but will in any case includeappropriate circuitry configured to process the measuring valuesproduced by the measuring facility 60 and to act upon instructionsprovided by the processor 30 of the electronic device 28. In any case,the multi-wire electrical connector 24 carried by the housing 3 andelectrically connected to the signal processing circuitry 62, has atleast one wire (two shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) defining a control input tothe analytical device 1. When the multi-wire electrical connector 24 isconnected to the mating connector 26 of the electronic device 28 toestablish the electrical interface 25, the control input to theanalytical device 1 is electrically connected to the processor 30 andmay receive control signals from the processor 30 of the electronicdevice 28 for operating the analytical device 1.

The signal processing circuitry 62 may, in some embodiments, include amemory unit 64 arranged inside the housing 3, and the memory unit 64 mayhave stored therein instructions for operating the analytical device 1.In such embodiments, the signal processing circuitry 62 may include aprocessor configured to execute the instructions stored in the memoryunit 64 to operate the analytical device 1 as described herein.Alternatively, the processor 30 of the electronic device 28 may, afterthe electrical interface 25 is established between the devices 1 and 28,retrieve the instructions from the memory unit 64 and execute theinstructions to operate and control the analytical device 1 as describedherein.

With the system 10 illustrated and described herein, data may generallybe provided from the analytical device 1 to the electronic device 28 viathe electrical interface 25, and the processor 30 of the electronicdevice 28 may be configured to process such data and control the displayunit 32 to display operating parameters and/or analytical data providedby the analytical device 1. Likewise, data in the form of instructionsor control signals may be provided by the processor 30 of the electronicdevice 28 to the analytical device 1 via the electrical interface 25such that the processor 30 of the electronic device 28 can controloperation of the analytical device 1, for example in order to configurethe analytical device 1 and/or to trigger certain actions of theanalytical device 1, in particular the carrying out of an analysis of atest element 7 that is inserted into the device 1. In this manner, theanalytical device 1 can be partially or fully controlled and operated bythe processor 30 of the electronic device 28.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated and described herein, it willbe noted that the analytical device 1 does not include an intrinsic userinterface for providing user input of instructions or information to theanalytical device 1 such as for operating the device 1. Rather,operation of the analytical device 1 in carrying out an analysis on atest element 7 that is inserted into the device 1 is controlledexclusively by the electronic device 28. For example, the processor 30of the electronic device 28 may illustratively be programmed torecognize, after the electronic device 28 is electrically connected tothe analytical device 1 via the electrical interface 25, when a testelement 7 is being inserted into the device 1, and to then automaticallycommand start-up of the measurement and the display of the measuringresult, for example, on the display unit 32 of the computer without thisrequiring an input of the user on any user interface. In suchembodiments, the system 10 may dispense altogether with any type of userinterface for controlling and operating the device 1. In alternativeembodiments, any user input that may be required or that may be usefulto the operation of the device 1 may be entered by the user via thekeyboard or keypad 36 and/or point and select device 38, oralternatively via a microphone 42 in embodiments of the electronicdevice 28 that are configured to receive and act upon voice commandsfrom the user.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated and described herein, it willbe further be noted that the analytical device 1 does not include anintrinsic user interface for displaying or otherwise conveyinganalytical data determined by the device 1. Rather, display or otherconveyance of analytical data determined by the analytical device 1 iscarried out exclusively by the electronic device 28. For example, theprocessor 30 of the electronic device 28 may illustratively beprogrammed to receive via the electrical interface 25 analytical datafrom the analytical device 1 resulting from analysis of a sample of bodyfluid received on a test element 7, and to present this analytical datato the patient using only data presenting components of the electronicdevice 28. In one embodiment, for example, the processor 30 may controlthe display unit 32 to display thereon the analytical data in textualand/or graphic form. Alternatively or additionally, the processor 30 maycontrol the speaker 40, in embodiments of the electronic device 28 thatinclude a speaker 40, to audibly convey the analytical data to thepatient.

The electronic device 28 to which the analytical device 1 is connectedmay also be used also for documenting other self-monitoring data of thepatient which the electronic device 28 may import from the analyticaldevice 1 and/or which may be entered into the electronic device 28 bythe patient. Self-monitoring data of this type can be relevant, forexample, for the monitoring, diagnosis or therapy of the blood glucosedisease, such as type, time, and quantity of meals ingested, physicalactivities, insulin quantities administered and/or other relevantevents.

In order for the history of such data to be available to the user of theanalytical device 1, particularly when the device 1 may be connectableto multiple different electronic devices, it may be desirable to includethe memory unit 64 in signal processing circuitry 62. In such cases, theprocessor of any electronic device that the analytical device 1 mayelectrically connect to can then be configured to store analytical data,calibration data and/or other data (e.g., date and time of day of themeasurement) in the memory unit 64 of the analytical device 1. Thisallows the user to connect the analytical device 1 to more than oneelectronic device for the purpose of importing, displaying and/oranalyzing any one or more of the stored analytical data values.

As described hereinabove, the processor 30 of the electronic device 28operates to automatically recognize the analytical device 1 when it isconnected to the electronic device 28 via a USB interface 25. Theprocessor 30 then loads the necessary pre-installed drivers andapplication programs for importing data from the device 1 and forcontrolling operation of the device 1 by the electronic device 28. Inorder to render the analytical device 1 universally operable, i.e.,without pre-configuration of the corresponding electronic device 28, andthus provide for its use with any electronic device 28, the signalprocessing circuitry 62 of the device 1 may include the memory unit 62having stored therein instructions in the form of software required forcontrolling operation of the device 1. In this embodiment, the processor30 of any electronic device 28 to which the analytical device 1 isconnected may be operable to import this software from the memory unit64 and then execute the imported software to control operation of thedevice 1.

However, in other embodiments it may be desirable not to require anyspecific drivers and/or specific software for controlled operation ofthe analytical device 1, and for the analytical data determined by thedevice 1 to instead be imported from the device 1 by the electronicdevice 28 using standard software, for example a browser such as WindowsExplorer or Microsoft Internet Explorer, which may be previouslyinstalled on the electronic device 28, such as when the electronicdevice 28 is implemented in the form of a PC, laptop or notebookcomputer. In this case, the analytical device 1 can be operateduniversally by the majority of computers without any need forpre-configuration of the computer.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in theforegoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described andthat all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinvention are desired to be protected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1 analytical device-   2 blood glucose measuring device-   3 housing-   4 USB interface-   5 protective cap-   6 test field-   7 test element-   8 slit-   9 opening-   10 system-   24 electrical connector of 1-   25 electrical interface-   26 electrical connector of 28-   27 hub-   28 electronic device-   30 processor-   32 display-   34 memory-   36 keyboard-   60 measuring facility-   62 signal processing circuitry-   64 memory-   A arrow (7-1)-   B arrow (24-26)-   C arrow (27-26)-   D arrow (27-24)-   V_(s) supply voltage-   GND ground-   D+ communication line-   D− communication line

1.-22. (canceled)
 23. A portable, patient-operable analytical device foranalysis of a medically significant component of a body fluid forself-monitoring by a patient, comprising: a device housing defining anopening therein, a measuring facility arranged inside the device housingconfigured to receive a test element via the housing opening, themeasuring facility configured to analyze one of an optical andelectrochemical change in the test element having received a liquidsample of the body fluid and to generate measuring values resulting fromthe analysis, a processor arranged inside the device housing andincluding a memory having stored therein software at least a portion ofwhich is executable by the processor to process the measuring values toproduce analytical measuring data taking into account calibrationvalues, and an electrical connector selected from the group consistingof: a male universal serial bus (USB) electrical connector carried bythe housing and having one end electrically connected to the processorand an opposite end extending outwardly from the device housing, thedevice housing, measuring facility, processor and male USB electricalconnector together forming a USB device, a Type-A universal serial bus(USB) electrical connector coupled to the housing and having one endelectrically connected to the processor and an opposite end extendingoutwardly from the device housing, and a mini-universal serial bus (USB)electrical connector coupled to the housing and having one endelectrically connected to the processor and an opposite end extendingoutwardly from the device housing, the mini-USB electrical connectorhaving electrical connections for electrical power, ground, data and ID.24. The analytical device of claim 23 wherein the opposite end of theelectrical connector receives electrical power to operate the processorand the measuring facility from an external device connectable to theopposite end of the electrical connector.
 25. The analytical device ofclaim 23 wherein the electrical connector includes a voltage supplyinput configured to transmit an external supply of electrical power tothe analytical device from an external electronic device connectablethereto.
 26. The analytical device of claim 23 wherein the analyticaldevice is configured to provide one or more portions of the softwarethrough the electrical connector to an external electronic device whenthe electrical connector is operatively connected to the externalelectronic device.
 27. The analytical device of claim 23 wherein one ofoperation of the analytical device and actions of the analytical deviceto analyze the one of the optical and electrochemical change in the testelement is controlled by an external electronic device connected to theopposite end of the electrical connector.
 28. The analytical device ofclaim 23 wherein the electrical connector is the male USB electricalconnector, and wherein the male USB electrical connector is one of aType-A USB electrical connector, a Type-B USB electrical connector and amini-USB electrical connector.
 29. The analytical device of claim 23wherein the electrical connector is the Type-A USB electrical connector,and wherein the Type-A USB electrical connector is a male Type-A USBelectrical connector, and wherein the opposite end of the male Type-AUSB electrical connector is configured to be electrically connected to afemale Type-A USB electrical connector of one of a USB host and a USBhub.
 30. The analytical device of claim 29 wherein the USB host is oneof a personal computer, a laptop computer and a notebook computer. 31.The analytical device of claim 23 wherein the electrical connector isthe Type-A USB electrical connector, and further comprising a protectivecap to protect the opposite end of the Type-A USB electrical connectorduring periods of non-use of the analytical device.
 32. The analyticaldevice of claim 23 wherein the electrical connector is the mini-USBelectrical connector, and wherein the mini-USB electrical connector is amale mini-USB electrical connector, and wherein the opposite end of themale mini-USB electrical connector is configured to be electricallyconnected to a female mini-USB electrical connector of one of a USB hostand a USB hub.
 33. The analytical device of claim 32 wherein the USBhost is one of a personal computer, a laptop computer and a notebookcomputer.
 34. The analytical device of claim 23 wherein the electricalconnector is the mini-USB electrical connector, and further comprising aprotective cap to protect the opposite end of the mini-USB electricalconnector during periods of non-use of the analytical device.
 35. Aportable, patient-operable analytical device for analysis of a medicallysignificant component of a body fluid for self-monitoring by a patient,comprising: a device housing defining an opening therein, a measuringfacility arranged inside the device housing configured to receive a testelement via the housing opening, the measuring facility configured toanalyze one of an optical and electrochemical change in the test elementhaving received a liquid sample of the body fluid and generatingmeasuring values resulting from the analysis, a processor arrangedinside the device housing and including a memory having stored thereinsoftware at least a portion of which is executable by the processor toprocess the measuring values to produce analytical measuring data takinginto account calibration values, a display electrically connected to theprocessor to display the analytical measuring data, and a universalserial bus (USB) electrical connector carried by the housing and havingone end electrically connected to the processor and an opposite endextending outwardly from the device housing.
 36. The analytical deviceof claim 35 wherein the USB electrical connector is a male universalserial bus (USB) connector.
 37. The analytical device of claim 36wherein the opposite end of the male USB electrical connector isconfigured to be electrically connected to a female USB electricalconnector of one of a USB host and a USB hub.
 38. The analytical deviceof claim 37 wherein the USB host is one of a personal computer, a laptopcomputer and a notebook computer.
 39. The analytical device of claim 35wherein the USB electrical connector is one of a Type-A USB electricalconnector, a Type-B USB electrical connector and a mini-USB electricalconnector.
 40. The analytical device of claim 35 wherein the oppositeend of the USB electrical connector receives electrical power to operatethe processor and the measuring facility from an external deviceconnectable to the opposite end of the USB electrical connector.
 41. Theanalytical device of claim 35 wherein the USB electrical connectorincludes a voltage supply input configured to transmit an externalsupply of electrical power to the analytical device from an externalelectronic device connectable thereto.
 42. The analytical device ofclaim 35 wherein one of operation of the analytical device and actionsof the analytical device to analyze the one of the optical andelectrochemical change in the test element is controlled by an externalelectronic device connected to the opposite end of the USB electricalconnector.
 43. A portable, patient-operable analytical device foranalysis of a medically significant component of a body fluid forself-monitoring by a patient, comprising: a device housing defining anopening therein, a measuring facility arranged inside the device housingconfigured to receive a test element via the housing opening, themeasuring facility configured to analyze one of an optical andelectrochemical change in the test element having received a liquidsample of the body fluid and to generate measuring values resulting fromthe analysis, a processor arranged inside the device housing andincluding a memory having stored therein software executable by theprocessor to process the measuring values to produce analyticalmeasuring data taking into account calibration values, and an electricalconnector carried by the housing and having one end electricallyconnected to the processor and an opposite end extending outwardly fromthe device housing, the analytical device being hot swappable.
 44. Theanalytical device of claim 43 wherein the electrical connector is a maleuniversal serial bus (USB) connector.
 45. The analytical device of claim44 wherein the opposite end of the male USB electrical connector isconfigured to be electrically connected to a female USB electricalconnector of one of a USB host and a USB hub.
 46. The analytical deviceof claim 45 wherein the USB host is one of a personal computer, a laptopcomputer and a notebook computer.
 47. The analytical device of claim 44wherein the male USB electrical connector is one of a Type-A USBelectrical connector, a Type-B USB electrical connector and a mini-USBelectrical connector.
 48. The analytical device of claim 43 wherein theopposite end of the electrical connector receives electrical power tooperate the processor and the measuring facility from an external deviceconnectable to the opposite end of the electrical connector.
 49. Theanalytical device of claim 43 wherein the electrical connector includesa voltage supply input configured to transmit an external supply ofelectrical power to the analytical device from an external electronicdevice connectable thereto.
 50. The analytical device of claim 43wherein one of operation of the analytical device and actions of theanalytical device to analyze the one of the optical and electrochemicalchange in the test element is controlled by an external electronicdevice connected to the opposite end of the electrical connector.
 51. Aportable, patient-operable analytical device for analysis of a medicallysignificant component of a body fluid for self-monitoring by a patient,comprising: a device housing defining an opening therein, a measuringfacility arranged inside the device housing configured to receive a testelement via the housing opening, the measuring facility configured toanalyze one of an optical and electrochemical change in the test elementhaving received a liquid sample of the body fluid and to generatemeasuring values resulting from the analysis, a processor arrangedinside the device housing and including a memory having stored thereinsoftware executable by the processor to process the measuring values toproduce analytical measuring data taking into account calibrationvalues, an electrical connector carried by the housing and having oneend electrically connected to the processor and an opposite endextending outwardly from the device housing, and a protective cap toprotect the opposite end of the electrical connector during periods ofnon-use of the analytical device.
 52. The analytical device of claim 51wherein the electrical connector is a universal serial bus (USB)electrical connector.
 53. The analytical device of claim 52 wherein theUSB electrical connector is a male universal serial bus (USB) connector.54. The analytical device of claim 53 wherein the opposite end of themale USB electrical connector is configured to be electrically connectedto a female USB electrical connector of one of a USB host and a USB hub.55. The analytical device of claim 54 wherein the USB host is one of apersonal computer, a laptop computer and a notebook computer.
 56. Theanalytical device of claim 52 wherein the USB electrical connector isone of a Type-A USB electrical connector, a Type-B USB electricalconnector and a mini-USB electrical connector.
 57. The analytical deviceof claim 51 wherein the opposite end of the electrical connectorreceives electrical power to operate the processor and the measuringfacility from an external device connectable to the opposite end of theelectrical connector.
 58. The analytical device of claim 51 wherein theelectrical connector includes a voltage supply input configured totransmit an external supply of electrical power to the analytical devicefrom an external electronic device connectable thereto.
 59. Theanalytical device of claim 51 wherein one of operation of the analyticaldevice and actions of the analytical device to analyze the one of theoptical and electrochemical change in the test element is controlled byan external electronic device connected to the opposite end of theelectrical connector.
 60. A system for analyzing a medically significantcomponent of a body fluid for self-monitoring by a patient, comprising:an electronic device comprising a display, a microphone, a firstelectrical connector and a first processor electrically connected to thedisplay, the microphone and the first electrical connector, and ananalytical device comprising: a device housing defining an openingtherein, a measuring facility arranged inside the device housing andconfigured to receive a test element via the housing opening, themeasuring facility configured to analyze a detectable change in the testelement having received a liquid sample of the body fluid received andto generate measuring values resulting from the analysis, a secondprocessor arranged inside the device housing and including a memoryhaving stored therein software executable by at least one of the firstand second processors to process the measuring values to produceanalytical measuring data, and a second electrical connector carried bythe device housing and electrically connected to the second processor,wherein the first and second electrical connectors are configured to beconnected to each other via which the analytical measuring data isprovided from the second processor to the first processor, the secondprocessor configured to receive and act upon voice commands from theuser received via the microphone.
 61. The system of claim 60 wherein thefirst processor is configured to control the display to display at leastone of user input instructions and information relating to the analysis,and wherein user input required in response to the at least one of thedisplayed user input instructions and information is provided by theuser via the microphone.
 62. The system of claim 60 wherein theelectronic device comprises a speaker operatively connected to the firstprocessor, and wherein the first processor is configured to control thespeaker to display the analytical measuring data by audibly conveyingthe analytical measuring data.
 63. The system of claim 60 wherein theprocessor is configured to control the display to display thereon theanalytical measuring data.
 64. The system of claim 60 wherein the firstelectrical connector is a female universal serial bus (USB) electricalconnector, and the second electrical connector is a male USB electricalconnector.
 65. The system of claim 64 wherein the first and second USBelectrical connectors are one of Type-A USB electrical connectors,Type-B USB electrical connectors and mini-USB electrical connectors. 66.The system of claim 60 wherein the analytical device is configured toprovide one or more portions of the software through the secondelectrical connector to the electronic device when the second electricalconnector is operatively connected to the first electrical connector.